Defending the Future of Free Media

October 23-25, Vienna

The 2025 IPI World Congress and Media Innovation Festival will bring together the world’s leading journalists, editors, and media thinkers to confront the challenges facing journalism today and chart a path forward to safeguard free media for future generations.
Under the theme “Defending the Future of Free Media”, this year’s World Congress also marks IPI’s milestone 75th anniversary – a chance to reflect on 75 years of defending press freedom, strengthen the resilience and solidarity we need now, and collaborate on a vision for the future of public-interest journalism.
Please kindly note that this year’s IPI World Congress is sold out. If you weren’t able to secure a spot this year, we look forward to seeing you at future IPI events. All sessions’ recordings will be available on our website shortly after the event. Subscribe to our distribution list to stay updated.
Thank you very much for your interest in #IPIWoCo25! For any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
 Explore confirmed speakers, session details and timeschedule, as well as side events and evening receptions.
The dates of specific panels are subject to change. Stay tuned.

This is a time that calls for solidarity, collaboration, and reaffirming the values that we share.

Media Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

New speakers will be announced regularly, with the full programme coming soon. Stay tuned for updates by following us on our social media and subscribing to our newsletter.

The event is open to those working in independent media outlets or as freelancers as well as to press freedom advocates; journalist students; media freedom supporters; and anyone committed to the future of free and independent journalism. For security reasons, all registrations will be reviewed and verified to determine eligibility.

The International Press Institute is committed to providing a respectful, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants at the IPI World Congress. IPI is a strong believer in diversity and welcomes participants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, or disability.

Some sessions may be photographed, video/audio-recorded, screen captured, and/or live-streamed. Images of attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors may be captured via these formats. Recordings may be reproduced, distributed, or used in any way.

Your ticket grants access to:

  • All World Congress and Media Innovation Festival sessions and workshops (unless otherwise noted)
  • The opening evening welcome reception
  • The IPI-IMS Press Freedom Awards ceremony and reception
  • Networking events and coffee breaks
  • Lunch on October 24 and October 25

Yes, we offer:

  • Discounted registration for members of the IPI global network. Learn more about membership here.
  • A limited number of student discounts are available for attendees who can provide proof of student status. For more details, please contact
    [email protected].
  • We are committed to making the Congress as accessible as possible, including for freelancers and others who may face financial barriers. We offer discounted registration rates for individuals who would otherwise be unable to attend. If this applies to you, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Visa requirements vary by country. Attendees traveling from outside the Schengen Area should check visa regulations. IPI can provide an invitation letter for visa applications upon request. Please write to [email protected] if you wish to receive an invitation letter for visa purposes. 

No, the event will not be live-streamed. However, recordings of most sessions will be available after the event on this page.

For general inquiries, please write to the Congress team at [email protected].

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